Lapwai in Nez Perce County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)

Lapwai Mission

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 6, 2018

1. Lapwai Mission Marker

Inscription.
Henry Harmon Spalding established Idaho’s earliest mission near here, Nov. 29, 1836, at a site chosen by the Nez Perce Indians.

Ever since they met Lewis and Clark in 1805-6, the Nez Perce had wanted to find out more about the white mans ways. In 1831 a Nez Perce delegation went all the way to St. Louis, where they saw Clark again and asked for teachers. Spalding came west to answer their call: with Indian help, a house and assembly hall were built in 24 days, and in two months Mrs. Spalding started a mission school. In 1838 the mission was moved north to the Clearwater.

Erected by Idaho Society of Professional Land Surveyors. (Marker Number 112.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers • Women. In addition, it is included in the Idaho State Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is November 29, 1836.

Location. 46° 25.035′ N, 116° 48.162′ W. Marker is in Lapwai, Idaho, in Nez Perce County. It is at the intersection of U.S. 95 at milepost 300 and

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South Tom Beall, on the right when traveling north on U.S. 95. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lapwai ID 83540, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Idaho — Idaho’s Panhandle,

on Nez Perce Tribal Land,

and in the Palouse.

It is also in the American Mountain West,

specifically in the Pacific Northwest,

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Watson's Store (approx. 2.2 miles away); Spalding’s Presbyterian Church (approx. 2.2 miles away); Coming of the Railroad (approx. 2.3 miles away); Indian Agent's Residence (approx. 2.3 miles away); Nez Perce Village Site (approx. 2.3 miles away); Bredell Family Cemetery (approx. 2.3 miles away); Rev. Henry Harmon Spalding (approx. 2.3 miles away); Lapwai Mission Cemetery (approx. 2.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lapwai.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 20, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 13, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 700 times since then and 34 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on August 13, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.